Omanghana
The Water Resources Commission (WRC) has issued an urgent flood warning to communities along Ghana’s White Volta River basin following a notification from Burkina Faso’s power utility company, SONABEL, about rising water levels in the Bagre Dam.
According to the alert, controlled spillage from the dam could begin on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, if the reservoir reaches its maximum operating level of 234 meters.
As of Tuesday, August 4, the water level stood at 232.93 meters, representing approximately 62.77 per cent of the dam’s capacity. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as water continues to accumulate in the reservoir.
Once the spill gates are opened, increased water flows are expected to take between six and 10 days to reach communities near Ghana’s northern border.
The annual spillage of the Bagre Dam often causes a significant rise in the volume of water flowing through the White Volta River. This can force the river to overflow its banks, flooding homes, farmlands, roads and other infrastructure in low-lying communities.
Areas considered particularly vulnerable in the Upper East Region include Talensi, Bawku West, Garu, Binduri and Nabdam. Communities such as Kobore and Sapeliga are also among the locations traditionally exposed to the effects of the spillage.
Low-lying farming settlements in the North East and Northern regions could also be affected. Communities near the river basin, including Dalun, Nawuni, Nabogu and Zantani, have been advised to prepare for possible flooding.
The WRC and the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) are urging residents, farmers and fishermen operating close to the riverbanks to take immediate precautionary measures.
People living in vulnerable areas have been advised to move to higher ground where necessary, protect valuable property, relocate livestock and avoid fishing, swimming or crossing swollen rivers.
Residents must also follow safety instructions issued by their respective Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies as authorities continue to monitor the dam and downstream water levels.
The agencies stressed that early preparation is essential to reducing the risk of deaths, injuries and property losses if SONABEL proceeds with the planned spillage.
Source: Omanghana
